Matt grew up in Beaumont, TX, graduating from St. Anthony's High School and Loyola University, New Orleans. He served in the U.S. Air Force and was a print and photo journalist in Illinois and Idaho before moving to Iowa almost 20 years ago. He could be described as a pinball player "extraordinaire," in the days before computers, loved watching the Dallas Cowboys, and had a great sense of humor with a quick wit.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Joan; two sons, Byron (Tabitha) Racki of Alpharetta, GA and David (Lindsay) Racki of Waukee; sisters, Mary Agnes Racki of Beaumont, TX and Paula Michelle Vogel of Cincinnati, OH; three grandchildren; and three nieces and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, Matt and Mary Agnes (Leitch) Racki.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Urbandale Food Pantry in memory of Matt where he volunteered before his health declined.